In 1926, the American Chemical Society awarded the Priestley Medal to Edgar F. Smith ‘for his numerous contributions to chemistry,” the Society’s most prestigious award. Smith was a professor of chemistry and a provost of the University of Pennsylvania.

Smith founded the American Chemical Society’s Division for the History of Chemistry in 1922. Smith’s résumé also included over 180 publications, leadership in several academic and professional organizations including as president of the American Chemical Society. Smith was well-regarded as a public speaker.

He built the library that forms the nucleus of the collection named in honor of him and endowed by his widow. Smith died in Philadelphia on May 3, 1928.